What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted by mosquitos. These parasitic worms (which look like strands of cooked spaghetti in the heart) can be up to 1 foot in length and reside in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels. Left untreated, they cause severe lung damage and eventually heart failure.